Best Choshu Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode #07: (1956) World Tag Title Change! Two New Tours! Riki Travels Abroad! 1:50:10

7d ago1:50:10

1:50:10

This week on The Puro Wrestling Academy, Dan Ginnetty schools us on the entire year of 1956 in the world of Puroresu. Rikidozan & Kokichi Endo capture the NWA World Tag Team Titles from The Sharpe Brothers (Mike & Ben). Plans are made to bring in the soon to be (once again) NWA Champion Lou Thesz. Rikidozan travels to Southeast Asia to rekindle his…

1
Episode #06: (1955) Champions Crowned, Primo Carnera vs. Rikidozan, & King Kong Arrives! 1:51:27

22d ago1:51:27

1:51:27

The Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty Returns! This week we finish covering the year of 1955 as Rikidozan & Azumafuji return from the States as the JWA presents two more tours in Japan. Includes Primo Carnera, Jess Ortega, King Kong Czaya, Bob Orton Sr., Bud Curtis, Dara Singh, Tiger Joginder, the first Japanese Wrestling Champions are crowned,…

1
Episode #05: (1954/55) Rikidozan SHOOTS on Kimura, Mildred Burke Tour, Wrestling in a Pool! 1:50:58

1M ago1:50:58

1:50:58

Welcome back to The Puro Wrestling Academy w/Dan Ginnetty! This is a huge week in the history of Puroresu as we continue discussing 1954 and into 1955... This week we talk the infamous worked match turned SHOOT between Rikidozan vs. Masahiko Kimura, Mildred Burke and her ladies troupe, Wrestling in a Swimming Pool, Rikidozan slays the "3-Headed Sna…

1
Episode #04: (1954) JWA Tours, All Japan Launches, Kimura Jobs, Sharpes Dominate 1:45:24

1M ago1:45:24

1:45:24

This week, class is back in session with Dan Ginnetty as we look into 1954... We dive into TWO separate JWA Tours, Toshio Yamaguchi launches All Japan (Version 1), Kimura gets jobbed, The Sharpe Brothers reign supreme, Rikidozan thrives, Hans Schnabel & Lou Newman arrive as "Champions", more early TV wrestling results from Japan, matches taking pla…

1
Episode #03: (1953 - 1954) First Tour, First TV, The JWA Is Born! 1:39:18

2M ago1:39:18

1:39:18

The Puro Wrestling Academy & Dan Ginnetty are back to continue to tell the story of PURORESU! This week we finish up Rikidozan's first tour of the United States in early 1953, and talk the "3-headed snake" of Rikidozan, Masahiko Kimura, & Toshio Yamaguchi who all attempt to run their own promotions in 1953 Japan! From there, we discuss Rikidozan vs…

1
Episode #02: (1951 - 1952) Kimura Lock, Helio Gracie, More! 2:06:34

2M ago2:06:34

2:06:34

This week we pick up where we left off in 1951 and travel through the entire year of 1952. We introduce two new names to the fold in Toshio Yamaguchi & the legendary Masahiko Kimura. We discuss the first year in the wrestling business for Rikidozan and take a thorough look into his 1952 Record book. We do a deep dive into Rikidozan's opponents that…

1
Hakkenden Explained. The Past and Present of Eight Dog Warriors with Glynne Walley 50:59

2M ago50:59

50:59

Nanso Satomi Hakkenden or Eight Dog Warriors of the Satomi Clan is a masterpiece of Edo period literature. The book was not only hugely popular in its own time but has gone on to become one of the most influential Japanese novels ever written. And today, together with scholar and translator of Hakkenden Glynne Walley we'll try to find out how that …

1
Episode #01: The Beginnings Of Puroresu! (1880s - 1951) 1:44:41

2M ago1:44:41

1:44:41

The time has arrived, as we begin our journey through the history of Japanese Professional Wrestling (Puroresu)! Host Dan Ginnetty and I (Ray Russell) go all the way back to the beginnings in the early 1880s with Sumo's Sorakichi Matsuda and work our way forward to the very first full-fledged tour of Pro Wrestling in Japan, circa 1951. We discuss s…

1
Episode ZERO!!! Setting the Stage w/Dan Ginnetty! 45:35

3M ago45:35

45:35

Welcome to the launching pad of The Puro Wrestling Academy Podcast with the Professor of Puroresu himself, Dan Ginnetty! In this episode we set the stage for the things to come. We look into Dan's background in studying Japanese Wrestling history, and also his former TV show where Dan produced American commentary over legendary Japanese matches for…

1
Saigo Takamori Explained. Part 3 - The Last Samurai 47:02

3M ago47:02

47:02

This time, let's take a look at what Saigo did, aspired to and dreamed of in the new era. And what he regretted or was angry about. And, most importantly, what earned him the title of the last samurai, which still inspires not only the Japanese but people all over the world. Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support More info on https:/…

1
Saigo Takamori Explained. Part 2 - Satsuma-Choshu Alliance and the Fall of the Shogunate 51:59

4M ago51:59

51:59

Saigo has returned from exile, and in Kyoto his lord, Hisamistu, fights daily with Hitoshubashi Keiki. How did Japan get into this mess, and how can it be saved? Let's take a step-by-step look at the Forbiden Gate incident, the SatCho alliance, the abdication of the last Shogun, the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and finally the arrival of the Meiji era. S…

1
Saigo Takamori Explained. Part 1 – Childhood, early career and exile to Amami 43:45

1+ y ago43:45

43:45

Saigo Takamori, the Great Saigo or the Last Samurai is the ideal Japanese man and one of Japan's most beloved historical characters. In popular imagination, Saigo is THE perfect samurai. His image is so heavily embellished that it is sometimes hard to see where reality meets fiction. But let's try to separate them anyway. Support the show: https://…

1
Tanuki Explained 26:08

1+ y ago26:08

26:08

Happy Halloween everyone! We started this October with kitsune, and I thought it would be great to finish it with tanuki. So let's see how tanuki and kitsune influenced each other, what tanuki has to do with the 150th anniversary of Japan Railways and how this powerful yokai ended up as a chubby sake-loving goody of today. Support the show: https:/…

1
Kitsune Explained 39:36

1+ y ago39:36

39:36

Kitsune – Japanese foxes, who are they? Multi-tailed shapeshifters, companions of the god Inari, animals that bring good luck or beasts that inflict madness? Let's find out! Bonus episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/72879450 Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support More info on https://japanexplained.com/kitsune/ Cover art: @justlav…

1
Ikebana Explained 26:36

2y ago26:36

26:36

This time let's have a look at the Japanese art of flower arrangement also known as Ikebana. When did the first flower compositions appear in Japan? How did it evolve into complex art with sets of rules and artistic competitions? And which styles of ikebana are there to try your hands on? Let's figure it out. More info on https://japanexplained.com…

1
Sake Explained. Bonus - Expert talk with Dick Stegewerns 45:30

2y ago45:30

45:30

To help me break down the many myths about sake, this time I am joined by Dick Stegewerns, the founder of Yoigokochi Sake Importers. We talked about how sake came to Europe and America, how to choose and drink sake, what are the similarities between sake and other alcoholic beverages, how come sake is still mostly produced in tiny breweries, and wh…

1
Sake Explained. Part 2 - From rice grain to dining table or all you need to know about sake 34:46

2y ago34:46

34:46

Continuing to uncover the truth about sake, let's see how this beverage is made, which types of sake you can find in the shop and how to drink it properly. Or maybe there are no rules at all? More info on https://japanexplained.com/sake/ Bonus episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/66208266 Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Inst…

1
Sake Explained. Part 1 - The Past and Present of Nihonshu 27:43

2y ago27:43

27:43

Few things in Japanese culture are covered by so many myths as sake. For example, sake is not rice vodka and not even rice wine, but in essence it is rice beer. And it is far from being the most popular alcoholic drink in Japan. Starting the 3 part series on sake, let's look into the past, present and future of this traditional Japanese beverage. M…

1
Tokaido Explained. Part 2 - Travellers of the Edo period 30:44

2y ago30:44

30:44

This time let's take a look at different types of travellers using the road in the 17th-19th centuries. From foreigners who loved Tokaido to an elephant who absolutely hated the journey, there is a full range of opinions about travelling in Japan and the Tokaido road in particular. And that's exactly what we need to understand the life of this famo…

1
Tokaido Explained. Part 1 - The Road 33:55

2+ y ago33:55

33:55

Have you ever heard about Tokaido? If you live in Japan, I bet yes. If you’ve ever visited, I’m positive you took Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. And if you love art, you’ve probably seen some of the prints from the Tokaido series by Hiroshige. Tokaido road has a history of more than 1000 years, and this time I suggest diving int…

1
Ramen Explained 30:46

2+ y ago30:46

30:46

You asked for it, so this time let's look deep into the bowl of ramen and try to figure out why Japan (and now the whole world) is absolutely obsessed with this seemingly simple dish. More info on https://japanexplained.com/ramen/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus Episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/61675837 …

1
Ukiyo-e Explained. Part 2 - Hokusai, Hiroshige and the Japonism movement 22:17

2+ y ago22:17

22:17

In the previous episode, we looked at the origins of ukiyo-e, the development of printing techniques and the classical period in the history of ukiyo-e. We followed the works of a few brilliant artists such as Harunobu, Sharaku and Utamaro and ended up in the late 18th century. So definitely check it out if you haven’t listened to it yet. This time…

1
Ukiyo-e Explained. Part 1 - From Moronobu to Utamaro 24:28

2+ y ago24:28

24:28

This time let's talk about art. And speaking of Japanese art, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I bet most of us thought of ukiyo-e. These colourful prints represent Japan to the world, but what do we know about them? Not much. What is ukiyo? When did these prints appear? Who made them? Were they always as expensive as now? Let's fol…

1
Karaoke Explained 26:42

2+ y ago26:42

26:42

Why do people go to karaoke? Why in the West people prefer karaoke bars while the East is all about karaoke boxes? Was karaoke really invented in Japan? How old is it? Why karaoke songs sound so different from the original ones?The list goes on and on.My friends asked me so many questions about karaoke that I decided to make an episode about it to …

1
Japanese curry Explained 24:13

2+ y ago24:13

24:13

This time let's talk about Japanese curry that has a rather short 150-year long history yet managed to become one of the national dishes of Japan. Let's see how it climbed to fame and how many varieties of the dish we have now in case you want to cook one. More info on https://japanexplained.com/japanesecurry/Support the show: https://japanexplaine…

1
Perry in Japan Explained. Part 2 - Second visit and the Treaty of Kanagawa 38:38

3y ago38:38

38:38

Perry promised to come back the next year. And so he did. Now, let's check out what happened next. More info on https://japanexplained.com/kurofune/Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#supportInstagram: @japanexplainedCover design: @justlaviBy Stray Toki

1
Commodore Perry in Japan Explained. Part 1 - The arrival of the Black Ships 37:03

3y ago37:03

37:03

In 1853 Commodore Perry came to the shores of Japan and "opened" it to the world. Or did he? Let's see what actually happened when four black ships appeared one summer day near the shore of Uraga. More info on https://japanexplained.com/kurofune/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlav…

1
Yokai Explained. Part 2 - From Tsukumogami to Pokemon 27:50

3y ago27:50

27:50

In the second part of Yokai Explained, I'll tell you how strict censorship made yokai superstars of the Edo period, which Japanese monster made a big fuss in 19th century London and New York and why in the 21st century we are still fascinated by yokai, creating more and more of them all the time. More info on https://japanexplained.com/yokai/Suppor…

1
Yokai Explained. Part 1 - The Old Monsters 32:14

3y ago32:14

32:14

We all love something cooling during the summer heat. And what can be more refreshing than a spooky story that makes you shiver.But sorry, I can't handle scary stories. They are, well, scary. Japanese people, on the other hand, are really good at making and retelling them. So this time let me introduce you to the Japanese monsters - yokai, and help…

1
Nabe Hotpot Explained 23:02

3y ago23:02

23:02

You've asked for it, so today let's dive into a long history of nabe hot pot cuisine in Japan, check out millions of its regional varieties and get a few tips on picking the best pot for your nabe (spoiler alert: you can use pretty much anything). More info on https://japanexplained.com/nabe-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support…

1
Sugawara Michizane Explained. Part 2 - The god 16:27

3+ y ago16:27

16:27

The second part of Michizane's story starts with his exile to the island of Kyushu, where he dies. And then the unexpected happens... More info on https://japanexplained.com/sugawaramichizane-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus Article on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/sugawara-places-50621270 Instagram: @japanex…

1
Sugawara Michizane Explained. Part 1 - The man 21:29

3+ y ago21:29

21:29

This time I'll tell you about a scholar and a poet, a spirit, Shinto deity and bodhisattva. A man, worshipped by his enemies, respected by Zen monks, praised by Confucian scholars and loved by high-schoolers. And in Part one we'll look into his life. More info on https://japanexplained.com/sugawaramichizane-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplai…

1
The Golden Pavilion Explained 21:43

3+ y ago21:43

21:43

The Golden Pavilion also known as Kinkaku-ji is probably one of the most famous places in Japan. It’s shiny and gorgeous, it’s protected by UNESCO and it even has a famous novel written about it. So this time let me explain you the Gorgeous Golden Pavilion. More info on https://japanexplained.com/kinkakuji-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplain…

1
Deer of Nara Explained 25:08

3+ y ago25:08

25:08

There is a rather popular opinion that deer were put to roam streets of Nara as a pure tourist attraction. Well, there is a grain of truth in it. The city does cash out on deer as they drive a constant flow of tourists, but deer have been there way before the first foreign tourist ever set his foot on Japanese land. So, why deer? Why in Nara? Where…

1
S1E16 - WE ARE BACK - GMS #69 1:30:33

4y ago1:30:33

1:30:33

THE GOOD MATCH SHOWS ARE BACK. THATS IT. THOSE ARE THE SHOW NOTES.. OKAY. WE GO OVER WHATS BEEN GOING ON IN WRESTLING, THE BIG IMPACT SHOW, WWE PPV, AND NEW JAPAN SHOWS. AND WE JUST HAVE SOME FUCKING FUN.SUCK YOUR OWN @GOODMATCHSHOW ON ALL SOCIALS. HIT UP NELLO'S ETSY ACCOUNT TO GET HIS CUSTOM MADE SOCKS. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.…

1
Soy Sauce Explained 24:53

4y ago24:53

24:53

This time I'll look deep into the history of Japanese soy sauce, walk you through the process of making a traditional Japanese shoyu and tell you all you need to know to pick the perfect bottle. More info on https://japanexplained.com/soysauce-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justla…

1
S1E15 - GMS #11 - Ric Flair v Barry Windham (1/20/87) 42:45

4y ago42:45

42:45

WOOOOO! Part Deux, baybay. GMS Boiz are back, well, just Aniello for this rodeo (MISS U ESAI). We review Double or Nothing and dive into another installment of Ric Flair & Barry Windham! Suck your own and follow us on social @GoodMatchShow

1
S1E14 - GMS #10 THE SHEEPHERDERS VS THE FANTASTICS 1:20:41

4y ago1:20:41

1:20:41

WE ARE BACK BAY BEEE The Good Match Show boys are back in the saddle as Esai returns to the territory after losing a loser leave town match. They go over the week that was in wrestling as well as From the NWA Crockett Cup, The Sheepherders vs The Fantastics in a brawl that was fierce but only laster 8 minutes Suck your own Follow us on social media…

1
S1E13 - GMS #9 - Ric Flair v Barry Windham (NWA 2/14/86) 58:56

4y ago58:56

58:56

WOOOOOO! GMS BOIZ ARE BACK. Well, halfway at least, it's another solooo show with Aniello! This week we cover recent AAA, 2AW, NOAH, and NJPW news, as well as the weekly US shows (RAW, SD, AEW, NXT). The Main Event of the week is the epic first clash between Ric Flair and Barry Windham at the NWA's Battle of the Belts II. As always, suck your own a…

1
Geisha Explained 23:43

4y ago23:43

23:43

In the first episode, I will address the biggest misconception about Japanese culture and tell you the truth about geishas. More info on https://japanexplained.com/geisha-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus Article on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43555972 Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi…

1
Intro 2:08

4y ago2:08

2:08

Hello and welcome to Japan Explained! In this short Intro let me introduce myself and this podcast. Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlaviBy Stray Toki

1
S1E12 - GMS #8 - Tsuruta & Tenryu v Choshu & Yatsu (AJPW 1/28/86) 1:02:42

4y ago1:02:42

1:02:42

HOWDY! Good Match Show is back with our weekly venture around the world: recaps of the recent DDT, ZERO1, NOAH, and AJPW shows; coverage of weekly US television (RAW, SD, NXT, AEW); and our GMS Match of the Week -- Jumbo Tsuruta & Genichiro Tenryu vs Riki Choshu & Yoshiaki Yatsu from AJPW's New Years War Super Battle (01/28/86). Suck your own and m…

1
S1E11 - GMS #7 - Lioness Asuka v Jaguar Yokota (AJW 8/21/1985) 58:34

4y ago58:34

58:34

We back, baby! It's a solo show as Aniello runs down the weekly TV shows (AEW, RAW, SD, NXT), Japanese wrestling (BJW, 2AW), AAA's Lucha Fighter Tournament, as well as our GMS of the week -- Lioness Asuka vs Jaguar Yokota from AJW's Summer Night Festival in Budokan (August, 1985). I love you, Esai!

1
S1E10 - GMS #6 - Tiger Mask II v Kuniaki Kobayashi (AJPW 3/09/1985) 1:01:46

4y ago1:01:46

1:01:46

The GMS boys talk about some weekly wrestling including BJW's Strong Climb, NOAH's Global Tag League, and breakdown the 5-star match with Tiger Mask and Kuniaki Kobayahsi. AS ALWAYS SUCK YOUR OWN FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS @GOODMATCHSHOW ON EVERYTHING.

1
S1E9 - GMS #5 - Stan Hansen & Bruiser Brody v The Funk Brothers (AJPW 12/8/84) 38:54

4y ago38:54

38:54

The Good Match Show is BACK. After a few review episodes we are here with a solo edition of our titular GOOD! MATCH! SHOW! Today's focus is on the 1984 AJPW tag team brawl between legends Stan Hansen, Bruiser Brody, and the Funk Brothers. However, we also cover BJW's Strong Climb 2020, AJPW's What We Can Do Now, 2AW, BASARA, and even some general u…

1
S1E8 - Review #4 - WrestleMania 36 1:51:31

4y ago1:51:31

1:51:31

We dive into WrestleMania 36 and a whole bunch of other recent wrasslin' happenings and news amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Things are not ideal, but we are grateful for the pro-wrestling diversions at this time. We hope you are well! Follow us on IG/Twitter @GoodMatchShow This podcast is powered by Pinecast.…

1
S1E7 - Review #3 - 2019 So Far 50:17

4+ y ago50:17

50:17

After a long break, we are back, once again! Life has been hectic, so we try to catch up on everything from AEW's lead up to Revolution, recent WWE programming, NXT TakeOver: Portland, NWA's Hard Times PPV, NJPW's New Beginning, and GCW's Run Ricky Run among many others! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @GOODMATCHSHOW This podcast is powered by Pinecast.…

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